Gaza: Hamas smuggling anti-aircraft missiles

Monday, October 16, 2006 |
by Staff Writer

In reaction to intelligence reports by military intelligence saying that Hamas has smuggled several anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles into the Gaza strip, Defense Minister Amir Peretz said that there is a need to step up the offensive activities against the weapons smugglers into Gaza. This includes striking areas of suspected tunneling activities that are being used for smuggling weapons and other contraband into Gaza from Egypt.

According to Peretz, the Israel Defense Forces has recently stepped up its activities both in the northern and southern sectors of Gaza. In addition, Peretz said, significant damage has been inflicted on Hamas and other terrorists who have been confronted by the IDF.

In reaction to the statements made this week by Lebanese Defense Minister Elias Murr saying that the Lebanese army will hit any encroaching IDF aircraft flying over Lebanon, Peretz clarified that the IDF is prepared for any military action in the area. He said that it is important to send a message that as long as resolution 1701 is not implemented, including the return of the kidnapped soldiers and the arms embargo, he has no intention of making any changes. He added that Israel will continue the necessary activities to control the area and get the necessary information.

In reference to the activities in the West Bank, Peretz said that the security forces are continuing to conduct arrests and that this activity is preventing and thwarting many terrorist attacks.

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